Chapter 529 - Palace Banquet
Chapter 529 of "After Transmigration: Building a Kingdom in Turbulent Times" opens with: Zhao Zhongyu has been in a bad mood ever since his conversation with Zhao Hanzhang.... Find out what happens!
Zhao Zhongyu has been in a bad mood ever since his conversation with Zhao Hanzhang. He forced a smile, saying: "Your uncle is ill. I’ve asked him to rest in his room."he emperor looked towards Zhao Hanzhang and Gou Xi with tears, asking, "Would the two generals be willing to rescue the officials and noble families from Shi Le?"
Zhao Hanzhang instinctively glanced at Gou Xi opposite her, and he also raised his eyes towards her. After a moment of mutual gaze, they both addressed the emperor together, "Your Majesty’s wish, we will exert our utmost."
Upon hearing this, the emperor breathed a big sigh of relief and quickly raised his glass, saying, "Two generals, thank you for your hard work. I’ll first offer you a toast; once the people are rescued, I’ll ensure they also salute the two of you."
Zhao Hanzhang smiled and agreed, downing her drink in one gulp, saying casually, "Your Majesty, the fire in Luoyang destroyed over half of the northern city, and many people have fled. This place is no longer suitable for Your Majesty’s residence, I humbly request Your Majesty to relocate the capital."
The people in the hall immediately stiffened their backs, growing tense. Gao Yi, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, asked, "Indeed, the capital should be moved. But where should it be moved to?"
Zhao Hanzhang smiled lightly, "That depends on Your Majesty’s preference."
The emperor discreetly glanced at Gou Xi, questioning, "What does General Gou think?"
Gou Xi responded, "Your Majesty, Yun City is quite good; the waterways are accessible, and it’s distant from the Xiongnu and Xianbei. It could be the capital."
Yun City falls under the jurisdiction of Yan State.
But Yun City is not far from Langya, where Sima Rui resides, the founding emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty. The emperor wants to move the capital to Yun City...
Zhao Hanzhang immediately flashed a smile and highly praised, "I also think Yun City is good. General Gou also holds the title of Qingzhou Governor and is familiar with Jizhou. Should Your Majesty relocate to Yun City, it would ensure the peaceful settlement of the populace."
Zhao Hanzhang sighed, "In recent years, people near the Capital City are worried and restless, losing faith. Now is the time for Your Majesty’s reassurance and appeasement."
The emperor himself lived in constant fear and anxiety each day, leaving no time to comfort the people. This relocation of the capital, if conducted in a safe environment, would be an ideal opportunity to appease and win over the people’s hearts.
The emperor suddenly grasped Zhao Hanzhang’s deeper meaning, which swiftly solidified his previously undecided thoughts, "Then..."
"Your Majesty, it is not suitable; Yun City is not appropriate," an elder minister raised a hand, halting his words, "Yun City is biased towards the east, how can it command the entire realm? Apart from Luoyang, I believe only Chang’an and Chen County are most suitable as capitals."
Though his suggestion seemed to put Zhao Hanzhang in a difficult position, it must be said his proposal was remarkably correct, especially when he managed to speak under Gou Xi’s murderous gaze.
Thus, Zhao Hanzhang quietly asked Zhao Zhongyu, seated nearby, "Great-uncle, who is he?"
Zhao Zhongyu replied, "Xiahou Yan, he does not officially serve in the court. This time when the Xiongnu invasion occurred, only a few people remained at his home, not leaving with Prince East Sea. Thus, Your Majesty allowed him to take refuge in the palace."
Zhao Hanzhang felt delighted; not holding office is advantageous, she decided to meet with him tomorrow.